OPINION: Adnan Sami’s Bollywood comeback is hope for a better-tuned Gen Alpha and we’re already crying tears of joy

OPINION: Adnan Sami’s Bollywood comeback is hope for a better-tuned Gen Alpha and we’re already crying tears of joy

As a child of the ’90s and a connoisseur of Bollywood music, I can confidently say that Adnan Sami’s voice is nothing short of magical. Growing up, his songs were like a soundtrack to my life, from the romantic melodies that made me swoon to the fast-paced rhythmic tracks that got me dancing.


Reflecting on the past, Adnan Sami recalled Bajrangi Bhaijaan and singing “Bhar Do Jholi” as if it were just yesterday. As a millennial, I was raised on many of his songs that still resonate within me. The return of Adnan Sami to Bollywood has evoked nostalgia, taking us back to the days when his voice could set our hearts aflutter with “Gela Gela.” Here’s why I believe his voice is one of the most remarkable gifts the industry has received.

Instead of widely recognized as the world’s quickest keyboard player, Adnan Sami stands out due to his distinctive fusion of Indian classical music and piano playing. Regrettably, this gifted musician often goes unrecognized, deserving far greater acclaim.

In 2015, when Adnan Sami sang “Bhar Do Jholi” from the movie Bajrangi Bhaijaan starring Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan, people didn’t realize it would be one of his last songs in India for a while. Following the Uri attack in 2016, Pakistani artists were barred from performing in India. However, in 2023, the Supreme Court declined a petition to permanently ban these artists. After an absence of nine years, it seems that Adnan Sami is ready to continue his career in India.

Sami’s voice complemented Akshay Kumar beautifully, and tracks like “Mehbooba Mehbooba” from “Ajnabee,” “Kiss Me Baby” from “Garam Masala,” and “Gela Gela” from “Aitraaz” demonstrate this. What makes him unique among musicians is his versatility; he excels in both slow, romantic ballads and fast-tempo rhythmic numbers throughout his career.

Listen to the song “Chori Chori Chupke Se” from the movie “Lucky – No Time For Love,” composed by Sami, and you’ll understand what I mean. This song was sung by Sonu Nigam and Anuradha Paudwal, and Salman Khan and Sneha Ullal played the lead roles in the film. Sami also collaborated with the late legendary playback singer Lata Mangeshkar on his track “Shayad Yahi Toh Pyaar Hai,” which is a unique duet that showcases their enchanting voices.

Let us also recall Aye Udi Udi Udi (Saathiya), Meter Down (Taxi No. 9211), Dil Kya Kare (Salaam-E-Ishq), and some unspoken words like Baatein Kuch Ankhahee Si (Life in a…Metro).

In simpler terms, I recall enjoying Adnan Sami and Rani Mukerji’s romance in the film Tera Chehra, the lead song from his second album of the same name. Whether it was their sweet chemistry, strong instrumental backing, thoughtful lyrics, or beautiful singing voice, Tera Chehra had a powerful impact. As the line goes, ‘if you give me permission to love you a little…’, you understand that it’s more than just a romantic song. It’s about consent.

Translation: ‘Carry it a little, you can!’ This phrase is reminiscent of Adnan Sami’s song ‘Lift Karade’, where he and Govinda humorously prayed for a house (bungalow) and car. Their collaboration with Amitabh Bachchan in the song ‘Kabhi Nahin’ was quite progressive for its era. The lyrics, ‘God only has my name…who is it that God serves?’ reflect a humble yet confident attitude.

Adnan Sami makes a comeback to the screen after 9 years, and he’s set to contribute his vocal talents to the forthcoming musical horror movie titled Kasoor. In a recent conversation with Hindustan Times, Sami shared insights about his emotional connection to music, expressing that it’s not just business for him but a deep-seated passion.

Will there be anyone like Adnan Sami? ‘KABHI NAHIN’.

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2024-09-17 12:52